Software Engineering vs. DevOps Careers

TLDR: Software engineers design, develop, and test software applications, while DevOps engineers focus on automating and streamlining the software delivery process by bridging development and operations teams. Both roles are highly in-demand, with software engineers earning an average of $93K/year and DevOps engineers earning $105K/year. Software engineering offers more entry-level opportunities, while DevOps typically requires prior experience in software development or IT.

Are you considering a career in tech but unsure whether to pursue software engineering or DevOps engineering? With so many options and technical terms to navigate, it can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry—we're here to break down the differences between these two popular career paths so you can make an informed decision.

What Are Software Engineering and DevOps Engineering?

Both software engineering and DevOps engineering are essential to the software lifecycle, but they focus on different aspects of the process.

Software engineers design, develop, and test applications to meet user or business needs. Their work revolves around coding, problem-solving, and creating efficient, user-friendly software.

In contrast, DevOps engineers bridge the gap between development and operations teams. They streamline the software delivery process by automating workflows, managing infrastructure, and enabling faster, more reliable releases. While software engineers build the applications, DevOps engineers ensure those applications are delivered and deployed smoothly.

Responsibilities and Goals

The daily tasks and goals of software engineers and DevOps engineers differ significantly.

Software engineers design, code, and test software to meet specific client or business requirements. They focus on creating high-quality applications and ensuring they function as intended.

On the other hand, DevOps engineers work across development and operations teams to automate and manage software delivery. Their goal is to improve the efficiency of the software development lifecycle, enabling quicker and more frequent software releases.

While both roles are vital, their priorities differ: software engineers focus on creating software, while DevOps engineers focus on delivering it.

Key Tech Skills and Tools

Software and DevOps engineers' skill sets overlap in some areas but are tailored to their respective roles.

Software engineers need a strong grasp of programming languages like Python, Java, or JavaScript, along with expertise in algorithms, data structures, and software design patterns. These skills allow them to design and build applications that are both functional and efficient.

DevOps engineers, on the other hand, specialize in automation, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud platforms like AWS. They use tools like Terraform, Docker, and Kubernetes to manage infrastructure and ensure smooth software delivery. Additionally, DevOps engineers often rely on scripting to automate tasks and manage workflows.

While software engineers typically work within smaller teams focused on specific projects, DevOps engineers collaborate more extensively across teams, acting as a bridge between development and operations. Strong communication and teamwork are essential for success in a DevOps role.

Collaboration in the Workplace

Another key difference between software and DevOps engineers is how they interact with others on the job.

Software engineers often work within small, focused project teams. Their collaboration is typically limited to their immediate team or department, and they spend most of their time coding and problem-solving independently.

DevOps engineers, by contrast, are deeply embedded in cross-functional teams. They collaborate with developers, IT professionals, and stakeholders to streamline workflows and ensure efficient software production. This collaborative nature makes DevOps engineers critical to the success of modern Agile teams.

Demand and Salaries

Both career paths are highly in demand and offer excellent job prospects. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, tech jobs are projected to grow by 25% from 2021 to 2031, making software engineering and DevOps engineering strong options for long-term career stability.

When it comes to salaries, DevOps engineers tend to earn more than software engineers due to the advanced skills and experience often required for the role. As of April 2024:

• Software Engineers: Average salary of $93K per year.
• DevOps Engineers: Average salary of $105K per year.

This salary difference reflects the additional expertise DevOps engineers need in areas like cloud platforms, automation, and infrastructure management.

Experience Needed

Entry-level opportunities are more common in software engineering than in DevOps.

Many software engineers begin their careers right out of coding bootcamps or computer science programs. According to Glassdoor, 16% of software engineers have less than one year of experience, and nearly 50% have between two and four years of experience.

DevOps careers, however, often require prior experience in software development or IT. Only 8% of DevOps engineers have less than one year of experience, while 57% have between two and four years. Many professionals start in software engineering or IT before transitioning into DevOps roles.

Which Career is Right for You?

The choice between a software engineering or DevOps career ultimately depends on your interests and career goals.

If you enjoy programming and want to design and build software, a career in software engineering may be the best fit. Software engineers focus on creating innovative, user-friendly applications and have plenty of opportunities to work on diverse projects.

If you’re drawn to automation, cloud platforms, and working across teams, a career in DevOps engineering might be more appealing. This role is ideal for those who want to streamline processes, manage infrastructure, and enable faster, more reliable software releases.

Key Takeaways

Here’s a quick comparison of the two roles: